Background Stories
The 1st Jamu (loloh) International Conference’s theme, Djampi Oesodo as Jamu from Ancient Wisdom to Modern Practice: The Evolution of Holistic, Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine based on Nusantara Advanced Culture Wisdom, to explore Jamu’s and uphold the rich historical roots, cultural significance, and modern application in healthcare. Furthermore, to bridge ancient Nusantara health practices with modern global medicine, creating a collaborative platform for the exchange of knowledge on Jamu and integrative medicine.
The 1st Jamu (Loloh) International Conference & Expo (JICE) aspires to gather thought Academic, Business, Community, Government, Media, Innovator, Leaders, Researchers, Practitioners, and enthusiasts eager to exchange knowledge on the body of knowledge and utilization of Jamu based on the Djampi Oesodo philosophy on modern application in healthcare. Moreover, participation of Dr. Kim Sungchol, Unit Head: Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCI), World Health Organization (WHO) as a keynote speaker would not only honour us in Indonesia but also inspire our attendees to further their understanding of the synergy between ancient practices and modern application in healthcare.
Borobudur Temple’s 8th-century reliefs depict traditional medicinal practices, aligning with the Djampi Oesodo philosophy (consciousness, energy, matter or body, mind, spirit) in Jamu.
Temple that was constructed in the 8th century, is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. Panel 19 on Relief sculpture of Mahakarmawibhangga shows a scene of several people providing help to a man who is sick. There were people massaging his head, massaging his stomach and chest, rubbing his shoulder with a topical preparation, giving an oral preparation (natural medicinal ingredients), making medicinal concoctions by grinding them, carrying water and toiletries for bathing with natural medicine, and praying whilst recite a spell.
Based on the information contained in the reliefs on Borobudur temple, it is in consistent with jamu which comes from the word and philosophy of djampi oesodo. ‘Djampi’ is a spell or physical and non-physical technique or preparation of medicine, ‘oesodo’ is health. Therefore, ‘jamu/djamoe’ refers to utilization of consciousness, energy and matter such as chemical molecules to achieve and maintain health. Form of jamu based on ‘djampi oesodo’ philosophy (consciousness, energy, matter) are:
- Indonesian Natural Medicine preparations, by utilisation of primary-secondary metabolite molecules that contains free bond energy and conformation.
- Health foods and drinks, and health Supplements, by utilisation of primary-secondary metabolite molecules that contains free binding and conformational free energy.
- Cosmetics are composed of mixtures of chemical compounds derived from natural sources by utilisation of primary-secondary metabolite molecules that contains free bond energy and conformational free energy.
- Aromatherapies by utilisation of volatile compound which is secondary metabolite molecules that contains free binding energy and conformational free energy.
- Music, songs, light, natural stones, health equipment (simple physical to radiation), by utilisation of wavelength-frequency radiation energy.
- Manual Massage Techniques and SPA by utilisation of mechanical energy
- Techniques of sports, dancing, meditation, and breathing control by utilisation of respiratory energy that triggers metabolism in the body, bonding energy, and conformational free energy.
Even more, the facts about relationship between consciousness and physiological changes, such as when we remember something that is very sad/pleasant in the conscious dimension, then spontaneously our body’s physiological mechanisms produce tears, runny nose, increased heart rate, and increased respiratory rate. This fact is supported by the information contained in the reliefs on Borobudur Temple and the philosophy of Djampi Oesodo about the form of Jamu in many forms for health by utilizing consciousness, energy, and matter.
The 1st Jamu (loloh) International Conference’s theme, Djampi Oesodo as Jamu from Ancient Wisdom to Modern Practice: The Evolution of Holistic, Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine based on Nusantara Advanced Culture Wisdom encapsulates the journey of Jamu as advanced culture wisdom which composes and
manifest as holistic and integrative health system that originating from Indonesia into the contemporary sphere of integrative medicine. This conference acknowledges the rich cultural heritage of the Nusantara (the Indonesian archipelago) and seeks to explore how traditional practices can inform and enhance modern healthcare methodologies.
Jamu has been practiced for centuries in Indonesia, deeply rooted in the cultural practices and daily life of the local communities. It is not merely a system of medicine but a holistic approach that integrates physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being. The practice of Jamu is deeply intertwined with the Indonesian worldview, which emphasizes harmony with nature, balance, and the interconnection of body, mind, and spirit. It embodies principles of holistic healing, acknowledging the importance of lifestyle, environment, and emotional health in overall wellness.
As healthcare systems globally shift towards integrative practices, there is a growing recognition of the value of traditional medicinal systems. Jamu’s integration into modern medical practices involves standardisation, scientific research, and collaboration between traditional healers and healthcare professionals. Recent studies have begun to validate some traditional claims about Jamu, exploring the pharmacological properties of its ingredients. Various educational programs and workshops are being designed to train healthcare professionals in the principles of Jamu, allowing for a respectful and informed incorporation of traditional practices within modern medical frameworks.
Djampi Oesodo embodies the wisdom of Nusantara culture, integrating ancient practices with modern healthcare paradigms. The concept of “Nusantara” reflects a diverse array of cultures, each contributing unique insights into health practices, disease management, and holistic well-being. Grassroots movements and collaborative efforts can enhance the recognition and utilization of Jamu in current health challenges. Emphasizing the critical role of cultural heritage in health and wellness and by showcasing Jamu’s evolution from ancient practices to its modern applications, this conference aims to explore the rich historical roots, cultural significance, and contemporary applications of Jamu, as well as to stimulate discussions on how indigenous wisdom can inform global health practices, highlighting a collaborative approach to modern application in healthcare.